MKE's Airport Operations Summer Internship Program
JOB SUMMARY:
MKE's Airport Operations Internship Program provides a college student or recent graduate exposure to a variety of airport job duties with primary emphasis on airport operations as well as exposure to emergency management and airport security. The internship program seeks to educate the individual through practical experience working at a medium-hub airport. The internship program provides the airport with the benefits associated with employing a college student or recent graduate with a fresh perspective.
Disregard the bullet point about becoming a Wisconsin resident within 6 months of hire – this is not a requirement for a summer internship.
Background
This year will be the eighth year for this structured Airport Operations Internship Program and the first since returning from COVID. The requirements for the internship are that the student is either currently enrolled in, is about to graduate with a degree from, or has recently graduated with a degree from an accredited aviation program majoring in Aviation Management or related field. The intern will be employed over the summer (up to 500 hours) and will be compensated on an hourly basis.
The MKE Airport Operations Internship Program has been growing in interest and is highlighted in over five different university’s aviation programs. MKE’s program is a foundation for these interns to begin their careers in the Aviation Industry.
JOB DUTIES:
- Answer phone calls and radio calls, dispatch the airport fire department (ARFF) and sheriff’s office (MCSO) to emergencies around the airport, create work orders when necessary, and assist with any other duties deemed necessary by Airport Operations management.
- The airport hosts shadowing opportunities to high school students over the summer. You will help the ACE student get exposure to this department’s daily operation.
- Understand the Airport’s Part 139 Self-Inspection Program. Gain exposure to operating in the movement area of an airport.
- Understand and gain exposure to 49 CFR Part 1542 – Airport Security. Gain experience in how the airport handles its control access system, security checkpoints, and airfield security.
- Assist in the audit of the FAA-required Movement Area Driver’s Endorsements records in preparation for the FAA annual inspection.
- Assist in the creation and design of an Airport Operations webpage on the Airport’s website.
- Assist the department with coordination and planning of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flights. War veterans and their sponsors fly out in the morning, visit Washington, D.C. for the day, and return to MKE at night. Much of the coordination is in preparation for the welcome-home ceremony.
- Review and audit entries created to record medical emergencies, hazard materials spills, fire alarms, suspicious odors, and Airport Fire (ARFF) responses. You will work closely with the Safety Specialist to ensure inclusion into the Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program.
- Assist in developing improved and more detailed templates for the Airport’s Emergency Notification System (ENS) software Everbridge.
- Gain exposure and understand of how the airport’s USDA personnel mitigate and control wildlife hazards around the airport.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Qualified residents of the United States
- Possession of valid driver’s license
- High School Diploma/GED and either (1) be enrolled in or (2) be a recent graduate of a college program studying either Aviation Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
- Employees must undergo a criminal history background check to maintain security clearance for unescorted access to secured areas of the airport
- A high level of customer service is needed to perform the duties involved with this job
- Intermediate computer skills necessary including operating Microsoft Office products
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Oral and written communication skills; customer service skills; skilled in the use of computers; decision making ability in stressful conditions; ability to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; ability to write clear and comprehensive reports; ability to solve problems using applicable regulations under stressful conditions; ability to walk or stand for eight (8) hours consecutively; ability to lift 20 pounds as needed; and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others.
Summary of Proposed 2023 Internship Duties
Project Management
- Assist in developing improved templates for the Airport’s Emergency Notification System (ENS) software Everbridge
- Assist in the creation and design of an Airport Operations webpage on the Airport’s website
- Audit FAA-required Movement Area Driver’s Endorsements in preparation for the FAA Annual Inspection
- Review and audit Alert 4 entries to ensure inclusion into the SMS Program with Safety Specialist
- Oversee and manage the day-today ACE Tours
- Assist with Honor Flights
Airport Operations
- Emergency Management
- NIMS / ICS overview
- Take notes in EM meetings and tabletop exercises
- Airfield Coordination and Regulation compliance
- Understanding Airport’s 139 Self-Inspection program
- Exposure to operating in the movement area of an airport
- Basic overview of Wildlife management with USDA
Security Department
- Badging office overview
- Airport Security and Regulation Compliance
- Exposure and understanding of 49 CFR Part 1542 – Airport Security